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Drilling Rig Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mechanic

Upland, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of drilling rigs and equipment preferred. In addition, flexibility with the ability to ... Responsible for keeping rig and equipment in good working order and condition * Document exceptions ...

Mechanic

West Sacramento, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of drilling rigs and equipment preferred. In addition, flexibility with the ability to ... Responsible for keeping rig and equipment in good working order and condition * Document exceptions ...

Mechanic

Richmond, CA

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of drilling rigs and equipment preferred. In addition, flexibility with the ability to ... Responsible for keeping rig and equipment in good working order and condition * Document exceptions ...

Mechanic

Upland, CA

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of drilling rigs and equipment preferred. In addition, flexibility with the ability to ... Responsible for keeping rig and equipment in good working order and condition * Document exceptions ...

Experienced Geotechnical Driller

Richmond, CA

$26.50 - $35.75/hr

... rig and general working area while abiding by all safety regulations. A successful candidate must ... Set up and operate mud rotary drilling and auger equipment, sampling systems, geophysical ...

Experienced Geotechnical Driller

Richmond, CA · On-site

$26.50 - $35.75/hr

... rig and general working area while abiding by all safety regulations. A successful candidate must ... Set up and operate mud rotary drilling and auger equipment, sampling systems, geophysical ...

Mechanic

Richmond, CA

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge of drilling rigs and equipment preferred. In addition, flexibility with the ability to ... Responsible for keeping rig and equipment in good working order and condition * Document exceptions ...

Experienced Geotechnical Driller

Richmond, CA · On-site

$26.50 - $35.75/hr

... rig and general working area while abiding by all safety regulations. A successful candidate must ... Set up and operate mud rotary drilling and auger equipment, sampling systems, geophysical ...

Execute structural upfits and modifications (drilling, tapping, cutting, deburring, touch-up finishing). * Safely rig, lift, and position heavy components (up to 15 tons) using forklifts, cranes, and ...

Machine Production Technician

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Execute structural upfits and modifications (drilling, tapping, cutting, deburring, touch-up finishing). * Safely rig, lift, and position heavy components (up to 15 tons) using forklifts, cranes, and ...

2026-2027 Wells Engineering Intern

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$9.7K/mo

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Program could also include time on a drilling or workover rig or in the Decision Support Center. Optimization studies, project look-back reviews, tool case studies, well design reviews, safety and ...

Showing results 41-60

Drilling Rig information

See California salary details

$14

$27

$42

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in California is $27.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.83 and $29.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drilling rig?

A drilling rig is a complex machine used to create holes in the ground, most commonly for the exploration and extraction of oil, natural gas, or water. These rigs can be massive structures used offshore or smaller, mobile units for land-based drilling. Drilling rigs are equipped with specialized equipment to drill, circulate drilling fluids, and handle extracted materials. The type of rig used depends on the location, depth, and purpose of the drilling operation.

What is the difference between Drilling Rig vs Drilling Operator?

AspectDrilling RigDrilling Operator
CredentialsCertifications in equipment operation, safety trainingSame certifications, plus operational training
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, heavy machineryOn-site, operating drilling equipment
Industry UsageUsed to describe the equipment and infrastructureRefers to the personnel operating the equipment

The drilling rig is the large structure used to drill wells, while the drilling operator is the worker who operates the rig. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but the rig refers to the equipment, and the operator refers to the personnel managing it.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working on a drilling rig, and how can they be managed?

Professionals working on a drilling rig often encounter challenges such as long shifts, physically demanding tasks, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Teamwork is essential, as safety depends on clear communication and collaboration among crew members. Adapting quickly to changing situations and following strict safety protocols helps manage risks and ensures smooth operations. Regular training and support from experienced colleagues also play a key role in overcoming these challenges and fostering a safe, productive work environment.

What are drilling rig jobs?

Six positions on an oil rig crew run the operations of both onshore and offshore drilling rigs. As the rig manager, you are in charge of the company's interests. You oversee all personnel and operations and report program progress to your superiors. As a driller, you monitor drilling procedures and ensure that all other personnel follows safety and efficiency protocol. As a derrickhand, you maintain and repair the circulating system equipment. Your duties as a leasehand include setting up and taking down the drilling equipment and keeping an organized work environment. The floorhand's responsibilities include manipulating pipe sections and drill stems. Finally, as the motorhand, you operate the diesel and electric engines that keep the rig running.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drilling rig operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drilling Rig Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of drilling operations, and relevant certifications such as Well Control or IADC Rig Pass. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety systems, and industry-standard software like drilling data acquisition systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for safe and efficient operations. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure operational safety, minimize downtime, and maintain productivity in demanding environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig jobs in California?

The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Drilling Rig jobs?

Cities in California with the most Drilling Rig job openings:

Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,509 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Come join an amazing team of close to 900 employees dedicated to providing Excellence on Every Level!

Perform all maintenance and repair functions on all equipment per company policy and DOT regulations. The Mechanic must have the ability to perform general maintenance, repairs and troubleshooting on various types of trucks and equipment.  General understanding of diesel engines, gas powered engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, and pumps.  Knowledge of drilling rigs and equipment preferred.  In addition, flexibility with the ability to multi-task and prioritize, as well as organizational skills are required as there are a variety of requests made on a daily basis of this person.  In addition, a positive attitude, along with a willingness to help other employees, is required.  The ability to work in a team environment without supervision is necessary for success.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Review all repair request forms, make suggestions, obtain pricing, and discuss options with the Shop Manager, if necessary, for completing the repair
  • Repair and maintain all drill rigs, trucks, trailers and other equipment
  • Complete paperwork for all repairs and maintenance and maintain records
  • Perform 90 day and annual inspections on all drill rigs, trucks, trailers and other equipment.  Complete the inspections in accordance with DOT regulations
  • Inspect and diagnose physical conditions of equipment on a regular basis to ensure safety standards are met
  • Manages and directs field testing for all completed work requests, communicating end results to initial requestor and Shop Supervisor or Operations Manager
  • Maintain proper notification and documentation of all vehicles down time, fixes and resolutions-maintaining files appropriately
  • Requisition of materials, parts, and supplies
  • Responsible for keeping rig and equipment in good working order and condition
  • Document exceptions and forward to the Administrative Assistant to enter in the computer
  • Use diagnostic equipment
  • Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
  • Performs all duties in compliance safety practices, policies, procedures and government regulations
  • Complete other duties and projects as assigned
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • At least three years of mechanical experience
  • Ability to lift up to 60 pounds throughout the day
  • Proof of mechanical training, classes, and certification
  • Knowledge of DOT regulations
  • Work overtime and various shifts
  • Knowledge of power/hand tools and diagnostic equipment
  • Read and understand manufacture repair manuals
  • Computer competency
Cascade Environmental, LLC, and our subsidiaries is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law. This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits, and termination. EEO is the Law. 
Cascade is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (425) 527-9700. 
Who is Cascade? 
From our roots as a Northwest regional drilling company, we have grown into a national, full-service environmental services company offering innovative solutions to our customers. We believe in excellence at every level and that includes hiring employees who are the best at what they do. We firmly believe our employees are the most critical component of our long-term success. At Cascade, we provide a career, not just a job. 
Cascade’s core purpose is to be the essential business partner that contributes to our clients’ success and advancement in tackling even the most challenging environmental and geotechnical problems, to contribute to our industry and the betterment of our employee’s careers and the communities we serve. 
 What does Cascade offer? 
  • Comprehensive training and flexible career paths
  • Encouragement to pursue new roles nationwide, explore a variety of projects, and work with mentors and experts who help shape the industry
  • Comprehensive Medical/Prescription Drug/Dental/Vision
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
  • Company-paid Basic Life Insurance / Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Health Reimbursement Account and Flexible Spending Account
  • Sick Leave / Holiday / Vacation Pay
  • License Bonuses / Tuition Reimbursement
  • Charitable Donation Match
  • $25 - $35 per hour
We are proud to provide a full range of benefits programs that help our employees and their families plan for today and their future. The benefits we offer are competitive and allow flexibility and choice to meet the individual needs of our employees and their families. 
Who are you? 
  • Hard-working, talented, and career-minded
  • Challenge-seeking
  • Strong desire to contribute to a stable, diverse organization
  • Work hard, play hard mindset
  • Open to continued learning and development
  • Collaborative, team player
  • Customer service minded
Interested in learning more about Cascade and how we provide Excellence on Every Level? Click here to learn more https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwzxUvjbHC0. 
To learn more about our exciting career opportunities at Cascade, check out our Careers site at http://www.cascade-env.com/careers